Sliced Ciabatta Shallow Fried In Chili And Herbs Food

CIABATTA (ITALIAN SLIPPER BREAD)

Steps:

• Make sponge: Stir together, warm water and yeast.
• Let stand 5 minutes, until creamy.
• Transfer yeast mixture to another bowl and add room-temp water and flour.
• Stir for 4 minutes.
• Cover bowl with plastic wrap.
• Let stand at cool room temp at least 12 hours and up to 1 day.
• Make bread: Stir together yeast and milk in small bowl and let stand 5 minutes, until creamy.
• In bowl of standing electric mixer, with dough hook, blend together milk mixture, sponge, water, oil and flour at low speed until flour is moistened.
• Beat on medium for 3 minutes.
• Add salt and beat for 4 more minutes.
• Scrape dough into oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap, until doubled- about 1 1/2 hours.
• Note: Dough will be VERY sticky and full of bubbles.
• Cut two pieces of parchment paper, approx 12 inches by 6 inches.
• Place on baking sheet and flour well.
• Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and cut in half.
• Transfer each half to paper and form irregular ovals approx 9 inches long.
• Dip fingers in flour and dimple loaves.
• Dust tops with flour.
• Cover with dampened kitchen towel and let rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until almost doubled.
• At least 45 minutes before baking bread, pre-heat pizza stone on lowest oven rack position at 425°F.
• Transfer 1 loaf, along with parchment paper, onto stone and bake for 20 minutes or until pale golden.
• Remove to cooling racks and repeat with second loaf.

CIABATTA DELI SANDWICHES WITH PEPERONCINI AND ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Mix artichoke hearts, peperoncini with juice from jar, onion, capers, oregano, and chili-garlic sauce in small bowl; season to taste with pepper.
• Arrange rolls, cut side up, on work surface; spread artichoke mixture over, dividing equally. Divide provolone cheese, then deli meats and arugula, between the bottom 2 halves. Cover with roll tops. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half and serve.

SMASHED POTATOES WITH THAI-STYLE CHILE AND HERB SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Brush a sheet pan all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Place the potatoes in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover by 1 inch; add 2 tablespoons salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower and simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 18 minutes, until the potatoes are just fork tender. Pour into a colander to drain, then return the cooked potatoes to the pot off the heat to help any remaining moisture evaporate.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, chile, soy sauce, sugar and garlic, then stir in the cilantro and scallions.
• Place the potatoes on the prepared sheet pan. Using the bottom of a measuring cup, gently smash each potato until it's about 1/2-inch thick. Drizzle remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil over the potatoes and carefully flip to coat both sides in oil. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
• Transfer the potatoes to a platter, sprinkle lightly with salt, then spoon the sauce on top. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.

CIABATTA DELI SANDWICHES: A HEARTY ITALIAN-STYLE SANDWICH

Steps:

• Spread desired amount of mayonnaise on each ciabatta's top and bottom.
• Layer the ciabatta bottoms with shredded lettuce, salt and peppered tomato slices, onion and pepper rings, mozzarella, basil leaves, the deli meats, and sliced olives. (NOTE: You can mix-up the order of these ingredients to your liking.)
• Drizzle with vinaigrette and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Cover with the ciabatta tops.
• Cut the ciabatta sandwiches in half on the diagonal and wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Take a few books and set on top of the sandwiches to weigh them down and soak in the vinaigrette.
• Unwrap and enjoy!
• ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE: 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
• Mix all ingredients in medium bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 6 (2-tablespoon) servings. Prep Time: 5 minutes.

FRIED-FISH SUBS WITH CHILI SAUCE AND HERBS

Steps:

• Pour enough oil into a small, heavy pot or Dutch oven to come a third of the way up sides. Heat over medium until a deep-fry thermometer reads 350°F, adjusting as necessary to maintain temperature. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, and chili sauce; season with salt and pepper. Add cucumbers, bell pepper, and serrano pepper, tossing to evenly coat. Let stand, tossing occasionally.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in seltzer just until batter is thin and bubbly with small lumps (do not overmix); set aside. Dredge shallots in cornstarch to evenly coat; shake off any excess. Fry until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels.
• Increase oil temperature to 360°. Working in batches, dredge fish in cornstarch to evenly coat; shake off any excess. Dip in batter, allowing excess to drain back into bowl, and gently lower into oil.
• Fry, turning a few times, until fish is just cooked through and batter is golden and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet, lightly season with salt, and let drain and cool slightly.
• Stuff rolls with fish, cucumbers and peppers, fried shallots, and herbs. Drizzle with pickling liquid and more chili sauce. Serve immediately.